Women's History Month, the WAC's and Black Women Heroes of WWII

March means two things.

First, that finally it is spring and we can hopefully get back outside! And also that it is Women's History Month.

The Chicago "DODO" Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen is committed to keeping the heroism and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen alive.

This month we broaden that focus to share the stories of African American women who served in World War II. Six hundred thousand Black women filled critical civilian roles in factories and government offices, as well 6,500 who served in military roles as officers and enlisted personnel during the war years.

The women in uniform served primarily in the army as WACs (Women’s Army Corps) and also in the Navy as WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service).

It's a fascinating part of history that is important to raise during Women's History Month and honor year round.

President

Chicago "DODO" Chapter

Tuskegee Airmen

p.s. I hope you enjoy this video from AARP as much as I did, "The Untold Story of the First Top Gun Competition." Sharing the link so you can enjoy it as well!

Commemorating the “Invisible Warriors” of World War II

Did you know that during World War II, 600,000 African American women worked in war production, military and government service?

During World War II Black women performed critical factory jobs and equally important work in government offices, as civilians. And like all of the WWII Rosie the Riveter cadre, those Invisible Warriors celebrated in a recent documentary, “were part of the sisterhood of 20 million women who built America’s “arsenal of democracy.”

On February 14th 2022, the Women's Bureau of the US Department of Labor hosted a screening of “Invisible Warriors” by documentarian Professor Gregory Cooke. The film tells the story of the 600,000 Black Rosie the Riveters of WWII who courageously fought sexism and racism. The term "Double Victory," or "Double V" was the rallying cry of Black newspapers, referring to the campaign to fight the war against ethnic oppression abroad as well as racial oppression at home. Women supporting the US military had a third fight, against gender discrimination.

The screening was followed by a powerful discussion with both the filmmaker and 97-year-old Susan Taylor King – herself, a riveter during the war.

Learn more, and watch the movie trailer here

Educational Assistance Program (EAP) Applications Due April 25, 2022

There's still time to submit applications for the Educational Assistance Program (EAP). Applications must be postmarked by April 25, 2022. Download the 2022 EAP Application here.

The Chicago Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. grants scholarship awards to deserving young men and women for whom the Chicago Chapter is the applicant's closest chapter. The number of annual scholarship awards each year is directly related to donations to the Chicago Chapter.

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